In 2018, SpaceX and NASA prepared an EA to evaluate the potential environmental impacts resulting from construction and operations associated with development of the SpaceX Roberts Road Operations Area on KSC. The Proposed Action included the establishment of a site for booster and fairing processing and storage, a launch and landing control center, and a rocket garden. This location was intended to provide SpaceX with facilities to support staff in planning, processing, and operating launches. Since NASA’s issuance of the FONSI in December 2018, SpaceX has constructed Hangar X, which provides office space and booster and fairing processing and storage, and associated utilities. SpaceX is currently constructing the Hangar X expansion, as well as other storage and processing facilities within the existing Roberts Road site.
The purpose of SpaceX’s current proposal is to consolidate SpaceX’s Brevard County, Florida operations within a contiguous campus at KSC to increase operational capabilities, efficiency, and cost effectiveness of SpaceX’s operations. Consolidation of operations would, over time, allow SpaceX to recapitalize functions and capabilities into more efficient facilities on a smaller footprint.
NASA KSC
Since 2014, KSC has utilized the Land Use NOA process as part of our comprehensive master planning for evaluation of future land use and development.
All proposed developmental activities on KSC, whether government or commercial, are subject to the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). New construction project proposals are subject to a comprehensive environmental review process that includes an Environmental Assessment (EA) and site-planning to identify potential impacts. Environmental planning is implemented early in project development for proposed projects and activities located at KSC. Early planning facilitates compliance with NEPA and all applicable environmental laws and regulations, minimizes impacts to the environment, and reduces project uncertainty.
As part of NASA’s NEPA process, in consideration of the SpaceX request to expand existing operations at Roberts Road an EA will be developed to assess and document the potential environmental impacts of the proposal prior to a final decision. Initiation and completion of an EA is not indicative of a proposed project’s approval or disapproval.
For more information about KSC’s NEPA process visit KSC’s NEPA page
SpaceX
Founded in 2002, SpaceX is a commercial space transportation company headquartered in Hawthorne, California. SpaceX designs, manufactures, and launches advanced rockets and spacecraft. SpaceX developed the Falcon 1 (no longer operational), Falcon 9, and Falcon Heavy vertical orbital launch vehicles, all of which were built with the goal of becoming reusable launch vehicles. SpaceX launches commercial and government payloads, including the Dragon spacecraft, which was recently used to send NASA astronauts to the International Space Station and bring them back to Earth. SpaceX is currently developing a new rocket, Starship/Super Heavy, with the goal of traveling to the Moon and Mars. For additional information on SpaceX, please visit spacex.com.
Project Updates
Please check the KSC Environmental Branch website for project updates. As the development of the EA progresses, project updates and public documents will be posted here.
Public Scoping
REVIEW PERIOD: NASA KSC welcomes input and comments regarding preparation of the Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed Roberts Road Expansion and Access Road on KSC. The scoping materials are available below for a 30-day public review period beginning June 29, 2022 and ending July 29, 2022. NASA KSC requests that comments be submitted via email to: ksc-spacex-robertsroad@mail.nasa.gov or in writing to:
Donald Dankert
Environmental Management Branch
SI-E3, NASA Kennedy Space Center
Florida, 32899
Download: Roberts Road Public Scoping Material (PDF)
Related Articles:
KSC Roberts Road Expansion Review
Roberts Road Expansion Scoping Comments